Debbie would be very pleased with our efforts to make our government even more seamlessly amphibious. I have been doing some historical research to identify how other forms of government reached out to their constituents that were more difficult to reach. Back in 2001, my thirty-times-great-grandmother would hold town hall meetings to get input on important issues from the people she represented -- a precursor to our present-day neuroconferencing.
What events dominated public discourse in 2001?
My research on government in 2001 turned up a surprising amount of discussion on the results of the presidential election the previous year. It is amazing that they used something called a "punch card ballot" back then -- a technology that had already been obsolete for nearly half a century. Of course in 3001 we choose our elected leaders by measuring their commitment to public service. The individuals who put in the most volunteer-service hours are given an opportunity to lead our government for a period of two years. I'll be rotating out after two years, and another civic-minded individual will take a turn. The system serves our community well because it removes the divisive, petty politics that seem to have dominated the political system back in 2001.
How does the current look of South Florida differ from its appearance one millennium ago?
South Florida is now the Venice of America. The effects of beach erosion and global warming took their toll shortly after the turn of the last millennium; we have since crafted an entirely waterborne lifestyle. Commercial property is now built on our waterways. The seascape is dotted with sophisticated above-water neighborhoods, which were designed from original plans found in the ruins of something called "Stiltsville."
How are human beings different?
Scientists are still working on gene-therapy programs to help humans develop gills that will work in conjunction with the human lungs. Several infants born during the project's development seem to be easily shifting between land and underwater activities.
Which South Florida tourist attractions have stood the test of time, and which have disappeared?
As a result of our expanded dependence upon water, Atlantis, a water theme park that was demolished back in the 20th Century, was redeveloped and expanded. Back in 2001, plans for an aquarium in Fort Lauderdale were shortsightedly scrapped. A thousand years later, we have a fully interactive, open-air aquarium where humans, fish, and our sea-mammal neighbors interact regularly.